ANGE POSTECOGLOU hopes the lure of performing in the Champions League will persuade Filipe Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers to agree permanent deals with Celtic.
The loans stars from Benfica and Spurs respectively have been impressive since arriving at Parkhead in the summer.
Winger Jota has fired in 10 goals amid some excellent displays while Carter-Vickers has been a rock at the heart of the rearguard.
Postecoglou, though, is nothing if not realistic and he is aware both players could be lured elsewhere for bigger wages when their temporary transfers expire in June.
However. the Greek-Australian gaffer also realises that a Premiership title success and an automatic place in the £40million group stage of Europe’s elite competition will considerably boost the Hoops’ chances of getting the Portuguese flyer and the US international defender to extend their stays in Glasgow.
THAT’S MY BHOY…Ange Postecoglou with Filipe Jota on the sidelines at Celtic Park.
The Celtic boss admitted: “I’m sure Champions League football will help us keep them, but I’m also sure that it will be an attraction for others to come to our football club.
“This is a two-way thing. The player has to want to be here and we have to want them here.
“When you have that, I’m sure we’ll get a deal done.
“But there’s no issue if players see their future away from here or have different motivations.
“The appeal to come to Celtic is playing in front of 60,000 people every second week, competing in Europe, going for trophies and playing for a club that’s universally known around the world. That’s the attraction.
“If we are playing in the Champions League next year and, if not next year, it should be our goal every year then it will be an attraction for players to stay.
“But it will also be an attraction for players to come.”
THE ROCK…Cameron Carter-Vickers has been impressive in the heart of the Celtic rearguard.
Postecoglou, speaking to the Sunday Mail, added: “Both Cameron and Jota are saying all they need to say to me with their performances. They have been outstanding contributors and great young men, as well.
“I love having them as part of this football club.
“But if they can get more money down south, that’s fine. I’d never deny them that.
“We could get offers for some of our other players, depending on how we finish the season.
“That will be the choices they make. If that’s what they desire for their next move, I’ll have no issue with them.
“But while you’re here with me, you’ll give everything you can to this club to make it successful.
“If you do that, whatever your next step is, I’ll be happy for you.”
